Although it does feel like spring it's clear. I tried to capture M41. The center two stars look very gold. I started observing early at twilight. I need to get some spray to prevent the smearing but overall I saw some interesting shapes like a small dipper in the cluster. Even with light pollution the open clusters show very well.

Tell me Ken, how did you digitalized your sketch ? If you used a digital camera, try taking you picture outside the house in the shade of a wall or balcony roof. You will get a more uniform illumination and will give you a better result once processed.

Andre, I actually just use an iphone and e-mail the picture at the smallest resolution to post here at cloudy nights. I welcome any advice being new at this.

I have a small black paper sketchpad and a Conte white pastel and use a CD to make the circle that is pretty much it. I have to work on getting a clipboard to hold it better and maybe get some more colors since I know I saw some gold starts last night.

Any other ideas you folks have I welcome. I am thinking about picking up a book on Astronomy sketching since I am enjoying it very much.

Ok for the Iphone. So next time try to take the picture outside the house. Actually I'm sure you have taken your picture close to a window as the light direction shows. You have one side much brighter than the other side causing your drawing overexposed and no contrast.

Ken,
I think you've got an excellent technique to build on and your images are already fine examples of astro sketching. Here's a good link for some good advice to help you on your way: http://www.iceinspac...14-0-0-1-0.html
Cheers mate
Sean

I just ordered some of the tools in the article. Plus the Mat Spray and a clipboard for $30.00 I should have quite a bit of fun learning. Thank You all again for your encouragement and sharing your skills and opinions.